ACE Mid-Atlantic: Oceanfest 2023

All Photos: Bill Galvin. View full-sized image.

Oceanfest got off to a rough start on Saturday, July 22, owing to horrendous traffic (one carload of enthusiasts was stuck in traffic for two and a half hours trying to get into Ocean City, Maryland) and a mix-up with the wristbands at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. However, by late afternoon attendees were enjoying the coasters, such as Wildcat and Barracuda, a Flitzer relocated from Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey) in 2019. While enjoying the park’s other rides, some were pleased to see that the Zipper that once operated at Trimper Rides is now at Jolly Roger — and of course they had to ride!

Oceanfest attendees enjoyed Jolly Roger Amusement Park’s European traveling coasters including the Schwarzkopf Wildcat and Barracuda, a Zierer Flitzer.
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When the wristbands expired at 6 p.m., most went across the street to a pizza joint and continued to mingle. Following dinner, some went back to the boardwalk to check out offerings at Trimper Rides and its famous two-level Bill Tracy Haunted House — a longtime favorite.

Trimper Ride’s Haunted House — a boardwalk favorite — opened in 1964 and was expanded in 1988 with the addition of a second floor and components from Ghost Ship, a defunct Ocean City dark ride.
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Oceanfest continued on Sunday at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and got off to a great start with a lights-on walkthrough of Funland’s Haunted Mansion. Many who have ridden it attest to this being one of the better haunted houses to be found. Randy Curry, whose family owns Funland, spent a couple of hours with the group, tripping all of the stunts numerous times for everyone to enjoy as he explained where different stunts came from or how they built some from scratch. He commented that a couple of the stunts came from the late, great Lost River (Old Mill) at Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania). He also showed attendees the secret passages used by the staff to watch riders and keep vandalism to a minimum.

A walkthrough of Funland’s Haunted Mansion was one of the highlights of 2023’s two-day Oceanfest event.
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View full-sized image.

Following the enlightening walkthrough, one can’t help but realize there is much to be missed unless one knows where to look. This author rode it at least four or five times after the walkthrough and noticed much on the tour that just passes too quickly to fully enjoy. Fortunately, those who attended the second day of Oceanfest were able to fully appreciate this wonderful haunted house.

After lunch together, attendees had hours to enjoy Funland. Although it is a small park with lots of kiddie rides, many rides have been squeezed into a tight space. Adult rides include some modern creations like the Superflip 360 as well as classics like the Paratrooper, which goes backward as well as forward. Although there were no coasters at Funland, attendees still had a wonderful time.

— Bill Galvin, ACE Mid-Atlantic Assistant Regional Representative